WHAT is the BEST Harley Sportster!?

WHAT is the BEST Harley Sportster!? The Harley Sportster has remained mostly the same for almost 50 years that it has been in Harley's line up. But it has gone through many variations based off the same platform. Models like the 48, Nightsters, Iron, 1200 Custom and more have all come and gone over the years, but what is the best Harley Sportster out of the bunch. I will countdown 11 recognizable sportsters over the years finishing with the number 1 best Sportster.

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[TheDorkKnight]

The best sportster is the sportster you buy and love.

[fairisfair]

2007 XL1200C. Rubber mount, fuel injected, 4.5 gallon tank.

[alexanderzakharov]

I'm sorry, but pre 2003 rigid-mounted carburated Sporters are so different and so much better than the rubber-mounted and injected ones. The vibrations are so good, the sound is amazing, and it all adds up to the feel of a real iron motorcycle thundering on like a hammer. I have a 1997 1200xl. This is my first bike. I bought it because I wanted that feel of a true old motorcycle. Absolutely love it.

[jmccoy]

I just got my first bike at 39 yrs old....05 harley sportster 1200....I won't claim to be a harley enthusiasts....but this bike is making me love it.

[geraldscott]

The best Sportster is one with a carbureted engine, and lots of chrome, tubeless tires, and isn't matte black. Extra points for pre '04s.

[frankmarkovcijr]

I have had my Sportster for 25 years and 400, 000 miles on the original engine. 1999 883.

[robertwhite]

As a Sportster guy who spent over 30 years in the motorcycle industry, any Sportster from 91-03. 5 speed, non rubber mount. An individual model, for me, is the Sportster S. I've built several hot rod Sportsters for canyon carving and road racing. My current bike is a 93 frame with an 01 Buell Cyclone engine. 109 hp, 391 pounds wet, upside down forks, Storz rearsets, 17" spoked wheels. It is a Ducati eater. Lots of fun.

[frankmarkovcijr]

When Norton rubber mounted the Atlas it lost 30lbs.When HD rubber mounted the Sportster it gained 80 lbs. What is up with that?

[octavioquilichini]

Mine is a 2005 xl1200c, chose it for it's long range and comfort (rubber mounted engine). I ride very challenging mountain roads, not pretending it's a mountain carver but it handles very well. Chrome, well it just makes it a classic.

[mikelivingston]

I have an 01 883 hugger and it’s the only things I ever bought new. 24k miles now and I am 300 pounds but I don’t care that I’m too big for it. It still rides amazing and I smile the whole ride

[scotfield]

Bought the first evo 883 in July of 85, still have it bored to 1200, branch heads, supertrap 2 into one ex, dual disc brakes, a four gallon roadster tank and an aftermarket belt drive. Dad had the first sportster in 57(iron head). Had an 78, sweet looking bike he owned the rest of his life. Why no older ones on this list like the cafe racer?

[MOTOZILIANS]

i got a 2000 883 not sure witch type it is but i love it put a 29 tooth sprocket in the primary and rides amazing in the freeway also gets great gas milage i tour with it and have not issues so far

[JIMBOBALOU]

1998 Sportster 1200S. From the factory it had piggy back rear shocks, dual spark plug heads and a mild cam. Those are really nice upgrades from the factory. Hoping one will pop up for sale in my area

[alecnull]

The earlier 1200 Custom looked a lot cooler than the later ones in my opinion. 3.3 gal tank instead of the 4.5, mag rear, spoked 21" front. The stock seat is a little more interesting as well.

[flathead]

I have the 2010 XR1200 with the Hammer 1275 CI with the Hammer head work. It does go good, The Screamin Eagle Tuner, tuned by the best dyno guy around western Massachusetts. Stock cams, 45 MPG dynoed at 99 HP. Thinking on selling it, no I am not. Good video

[fostexfan]

A fantastic and informative video on the different models in the sportster range. Great for newcomers to Harley like myself. I was perplexed until I saw this great video. Thank you!

[tylerhayeswhite]

I have a 2012 custom with factory windshield and hard bags. I love it. The kids love riding on the back. Has an Amazon sissy bar. 4.5 gallon tank. Take it across florida all the time with no issues. From port richey to ormond beach

[derproberaumfahrer]

I ride a Nightster, but with the limited quarter mile paintjob which originally was made for the 883 (I guess) and with the Chizzled mini ape. Love it! One can see it on my channel. Great review, dude.

[IronBornRider]

Professor Jawn in the house! Takin everyone to school today with that Sportster history. Really fun topic, but I'd have to say the sportster 48 or the 48 special takes it for me. The peanut tank really looks awesome even if it does only hold 2 gallons.

[tokairic]

I've just bought a 2004 Sportster Custom. I had to have the rubber engine mounts, but didn't particularly want EFI. I would have gone for the Sportster R just for the twin front discs but I simply could not live with the peanut tank - it looks like an afterthought perched on top of the engine. The teardrop tank looks 'meant to be'.